I do think she has a point. And, notwithstanding the demands made on new parents, it is *their* choice to have a child. The work (and cost, and commitment) goes with that choice.So why shouldn't someone without children be able to access longer leave for any purpose they choose. Which might include caring for an ageing or disabled parent or relative; doing volunteer work; research or study.And what about the many parents who didn't get parental leave when they had children 10 or 20 years ago because it simply wasn't available?